OKC blind runner loves competing in marathons

Meier runs side by side with a partner, Jack Rector, an 82-year-old marathon runner. Each person holds onto the end of a short rope. Rector describes the course and any obstacles to Meier.

“As long as there’s someone that’ll tell me to pick up my feet, I’m not going to stumble or fall,” Meier said. “They do such a wonderful job of guiding.”

Now 63, Meier said he’s often reminded of the Bible verse 2 Corinthians 5:7, which tells believers to “walk by faith, not by sight.”

“I run by faith and not by sight,” he said. “The others, they see where they’re going, but me, I’m running by faith.”

GREATEST FEELINGRector said he understands the importance of his job as Meier’s running partner.

“I do a lot of color work,” Rector said. “He needs to be a part of the countryside that he’s running.”

Meier said that crossing the finish line is one of the greatest feelings.

“To think that I, as a visually impaired person, can get out there and run … it’s just elation,” he said. “I thought there was no way I could do a marathon. I guess like the old saying says, ‘Whatever effort you put into it, you’re going to get out of it.'” “Krista Nightengale